The Essential Skills Work visa is for skilled workers whose job is listed on the Essential Skills in Demand List. It allows you to work in the country for up to five years, but the duration may depend on your skill level. For a foreigner to fill a job position with this visa, the employer must prove that they could not hire a New Zealander.
HOW TO APPLY
To apply for an Essential Skills work visa, you will need the following documents:
- A job offer for a full-time position, and a copy of your employment agreement.
- Your employer to prove that a New Zealander could not be hired for the position.
- An "Employer Supplementary Form" describing your job offer (completed by employer).
- A document proving the necessary qualifications (original or certified copy).
- Occupational registration (if applicable).
You also cannot be subject to a stand-down period (the period when you are required to spend 12 consecutive months outside of New Zealand).
Although this type of visa only intends to fill temporary skill gaps, you may still apply for residence if you gain enough points to qualify for residence under the Skilled Migrant Category.
Who Qualifies as a Skilled or Highly Skilled Worker in New Zealand?
Your qualifications, skills, and experience will fall on one of five categories defined by the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO).
You are considered a skilled worker if:
- Your occupation is listed in ANZSCO as level 1, 2 or 3, it matches the description for that occupation, and you are paid more than 25 NZD (16 USD) an hour or more (or the equivalent annually).
- Your occupation is listed in ANZSCO as level 4 or 5, it matches the description for that occupation, and you are paid more than 50 NZD (24 USD) an hour or more (or the equivalent annually).
- Your occupation has no corresponding description, but you are paid 50 NZD (24 USD) an hour or more (or the equivalent annually).
Points Indicator for Skilled Migrant
The points indicator is a guide only. Only an immigration officer can award you points during their assessment of your visa application.
It shows the points that will be in effect on and after 28 August 2017.
Age
| Age | Points |
|---|---|
| under 20 years | 0 |
| 20–39 years | 30 |
| 40–44 years | 20 |
| 45–49 years | 10 |
| 50 -55 years | 5 |
| 56 and older | 0 |
Skilled employment
| Employment | Points |
|---|---|
| I'm already working in skilled employment in New Zealand | 50 |
| I've been offered skilled employment in New Zealand | 50 |
Qualifications
| Qualifications | Points |
|---|---|
| I do not have a recognized qualification | 0 |
| I have a recognized qualification- Level 3-6 | 40 |
| I have a recognized qualification- Level 7-8 | 50 |
| I have a recognized qualification- Level 9-10 postg | 70 |
Work experience
| Experience | Points |
|---|---|
| I have no skilled work experience | 0 |
| I have skilled work experience of 2 years | 10 |
| I have skilled work experience of 4 years | 20 |
| I have skilled work experience of 6 years | 30 |
| I have skilled work experience of 8 years | 40 |
| I have skilled work experience of 10 and more years | 50 |
If you're invited to apply for residence, you'll need to show you have skilled work experience. You can do this by providing documents that show:
- the work that you did
- the dates you did the work
- how many hours a week you worked (on average)
- the contact details for your employer or employers
Partner
| Description | Points |
|---|---|
| My partner speaks English at the same level that I'm required to | 0 |
| My partner is working in skilled employment, or has been offered skilled employment, in New Zealand | 0 |
| My partner speaks English at the same level that I'm required to | 20 |
| My partner has a recognised qualification | 20 |
| My partner is working in skilled employment, or has been offered skilled employment, in New Zealand | 20 |
| My partner speaks English at the same level that I'm required to | 10 |